Safety tip sheets

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03/03/2014

Recent fires bring smoke alarm safety into focus

Methuen Fire

In Massachusetts last month, two separate fires took the lives of two couples in their late 70s to 80s and authorities do not believe that smoke alarms were working in either instance. In the more recent fire, in Methuen, firefighters could not get to the couple until they beat back the flames and by then it was too late. Neighbors had to be evacuated for hours while firefighters battled the blaze.

NFPA’s Get Ahead of Winter Freeze tip sheet includes a box to be checked off if smoke alarms in the home have been tested to make sure they’re working. A reminder is included, stating that smoke alarms need to be in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home. The tip sheet is but one of many fire safety tools provided as part of the “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires” campaign sponsored by NFPA and the United States Fire Administration to promote fire safety during the winter months.